In Armenia, free debate about country`s future must be protected  today more than ever - Canadian MP

ArmInfo. In Armenia, democracy, freedom of religion, independent and open debate about the country's future must be protected now more than ever.

Canadian MP Garnett Genuis posted the following post on his Facebook  account:

"I had the pleasure of meeting Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan inside  Canada's Parliament last year. I share the concern of many Armenians  about the ongoing imprisonment of Archbishop Bagrat and Archbishop  Mikael Ajapahyan. Democracy, religious freedom, and free and open  debate about the future of Armenia must be protected, now more than  ever." 

The Prime Minister of Armenia launched a campaign against the  Armenian Apostolic Church in May, and all those who disagree with it  are taken into custody for one reason or another. Thus, on June 18,  philanthropist and president of the Tashir Group of Companies Samvel  Karapetyan was detained and then taken into custody for two months  after he expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church. He is  accused of publicly calling for the seizure of power in the country.  Karapetyan does not admit guilt. In addition, on June 25, 16  opposition figures and supporters of the Sacred Struggle movement,  led by the leader of the movement, Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, were  taken into custody. They are accused of attempting to "seize power."  And on June 28, the Yerevan Court of First Instance decided to arrest  the head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church,  Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, for two months.  Archbishop Mikael  Ajapahyan is accused of calling for the violent overthrow of the  government. This was preceded by the penetration of law enforcement  officers into the territory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.  Detentions and arrests continue.